Chevrolet Silverado EV Heralds the End for GM's Internal Combustion Engine Pickups

Chevrolet asked its engineers to develop a vehicle capable of towing 10,000 pounds (4,536 kg). It also had to offer 400 miles (644 km) of driving range. Moreover, at $41,595, including a $1,950 destination freight charge, the Silverado EV in the Crew Cab WT (Work Truck) trim level will be a bargain compared to other pickups on the market, such as the GMC Hummer EV ($79,995) or the Rivian R1T ($69,900 USD). Even compared to the base Ford F-150 Lightning, which has an MSRP of $41,669, it is still more affordable.

The Chevrolet Silverado EV brags with a 510 hp dual motor setup and all-wheel drive system for the entire range. The WT bed is prepared for multiple loads and offers a few options, such as a rack or anchoring points. It can carry up to 1,200 lbs (544 kg) in the bed, about half what a regular ICE pickup can. But that's the price one has to pay for the battery pack provided by the Ultium platform used.

Chevy's electric pickup will be available at the launch in WT trim level, which is clearly oriented for professionals. It will feature ten power outlets, which will provide up to 10.2 kW of energy for power tools such as grinders, saws, or drills. Moreover, at the end of the day, the car will be able to power the trailer home for the workers. After all, that's what they can do with a 200 kWh battery pack.

The Silverado EV will be available in the RST First Edition trim-level at the other end of the scale, which is the beefed-up version. It will use the same drivetrain as the WT, but offer four-wheel steering. Moreover, its adaptive suspension can lift the vehicle two more inches (10 cm) above its standard ground clearance for some off-roading. But the real difference between the Silverado EV RST and the rest of the range is the Multi-Flex Midgate system.

GM's engineers took inspiration from the too-soon-forgotten 2001 Chevrolet Avalanche. The rear cabin's panel could fold down and extend the bed inside the cabin at that pickup. The RST also features a 1/3-2/3 split-folding section. Thanks to that, it makes room for a canoe while a passenger can still sit in the back. Also, the load length increases up to 10 feet and 10 inches (3,09 m) between the front seats and the tailgate. With the rear bench completely lowered, the resulting area may be filled with an inflatable mattress and sleep in the woods, protected by an available tonneau cover.

Unfortunately, the carmaker doesn't offer this option for the WT version, even though it could be very useful for transporting a pack of 8 ft (2,44 m) 2x4s (5x10 cm) lumbers.

Sure, the RST First Edition version will be way more expensive than the WT. For now, the price for that is $106,695, and all the units offered were sold in 12 minutes. This version is more suitable for leisure activities and boasts an interior more appropriate for a six-figure priced vehicle. A 17" screen sits atop the center stack and welcomes its user with a 3D animation.

In front of the driver, another 11" TFT display replaces the classic dials. Moreover, a wireless charger for mobile phones is placed on the lower side of the center stack. Sure, you won't be able to watch a movie from the back, but you can use a regular TV plugged in any of the 10 outlets available.

Thanks to the absence of a gearbox and transmission tunnel, the engineers created a spacious interior and promised that a 6ft (1,83 m) person would have enough room on any of the five seats available.

The Silverado EV will reach the showrooms in WT forms in next year's spring, while the RST First Edition deliveries will start in the fall of 2023. In 2024, Chevrolet will offer other trim levels such as LT, LTZ, Trail Boss, and High Country. The carmaker announced standard MSRPs of $50,000, $60,000, $70,000, $80,000, and more, depending on the version.